Fireworks repeal heading to state senate

Sunday

Aug 10, 2014 at 8:00 PM

By Andrea.Goodell@HollandSentinel.com(616) 546-4275

Legislation introduced ahead of the August state Senate session could stop Michigan fireworks in their tracks.State Sen. Glenn Anderson said the 2011 law allowing louder, more powerful fireworks was a "monumental mistake," and he heard countless complaints after the July 4th holiday. The Westland Democrat was the only one to vote against loosening fireworks regulations in 2011 and his bills would reinstate Michigan's ban on commercial-grade fireworks.A community meeting in Holland’s “Westcore” and “Washington School” neighborhoods last month gathered ideas for dealing with fireworks being shot off illegally.Although state law now allows aerial and explosive fireworks to be used the day of, day before and day after a federal holiday, they are sold year-round, and many ignore or are unaware of the restrictions.Cities, townships and villages can establish their own rules restricting fireworks, but only between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. the day before and day of a holiday and 8 a.m. and midnight the day after. Holland, Zeeland, Holland Township, Zeeland Township and Park Township have all adopted similar ordinances. Laketown Township does not have its own fireworks ordinance.Most neighbors don’t feel comfortable approaching those shooting off fireworks for fear of a negative reaction or reprisal. However, police have a hard time locating where fireworks are coming from or catching people in the act.The law's defenders say it's meant no more clandestine trips out of state. Legislators figured since the fireworks wind up here anyway, Michigan should benefit from increased jobs and tax revenue.Senate Bill 1023 and Senate Bill 1024 reestablish the ban on aerial and explosive fireworks.Sen. Arlan Meekhof, R-Olive Township, would not support a full reversal of the 2011 law, a representative from his office said. However, he would support tightening the existing restrictions. Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker was unavailable for comment.— Follow this reporter on Facebook and on Twitter, @SentinelAndrea.